Singapore Telecommunications : Singtel champions inclusivity to mark SG51

Singapore, 5 August, 2016 - Singtel is championing inclusivity to mark this year's National Day by paying tribute to four staff who have, in their personal capacities, walked the talk on promoting a more inclusive Singapore.

The four individuals featured in Singtel's integrated communications campaign in the lead up to National Day are: Dipa Swaminathan, Singtel's Assistant General Counsel who leads the #itsrainingraincoats initiative which encourages people to give out raincoats and other necessities to migrant workers; Nur Madiah Hidayah Lim Binte Othman, Singtel's Customer Care Officer who has overcome her own disability and wants to inspire others to make more room for people like her. Edmund Quek, Singtel's Radio Network Quality Director who founded the All Saints Volunteer Group which befriends the elderly at All Saints Homes, and Teo Ek Thong Singtel's Voice Engineer Senior Manager who makes balloon sculptures at charity events, schools and homes, and trades them for smiles.

'All four of them embody that Singaporean spirit we so often talk about,' says Lian Pek, Vice President of Group Corporate Communications at Singtel. 'They believe in the Singaporean ideal of inclusivity which makes space for those with special needs, those with disabilities, those who are aging, those who have come here as migrant workers. They remind us that Singapore is not just a model of economic success but also a country with a heart.'

Campaign throws focus on staff volunteering

The four staff also represent Singtel's firm belief in volunteering. Besides contributing some S$33 million back to the community in Singapore through the Singtel Touching Lives Fund, our flagship CSR programme now in its 15 year, staff have also committed a total of 15,981 volunteering hours to date.

Lian Pek adds, 'As a company, we believe philanthropy is more than just financial. It's also about good old-fashioned caring for our communities. Hence the common thread of giving and connecting you see from the four stories we are sharing. This is more than just another ad to celebrate National Day, this is a call to action if you like, something we hope will inspire people to give and connect, even as we celebrate.'

Created entirely in-house, the inspirational stories will be shared in the newspapers as well as social media to spread the message of inclusivity. Singtel will also run an internal campaign to rally its staff to support and donate to worthy causes through the company's mobile wallet application, Singtel Dash. The funds raised will benefit disadvantaged communities, especially the vulnerable children and youth.

Please refer to Annex A for the stories of Dipa, Madiah, Edmund and Ek Thong.

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